In celebration of Spurs Week in Austin, Spurs Give and Austin Parks Foundation (APF) are donating nearly $500,000 to launch “Play ATX”, a multi-year program dedicated to renovating parks and basketball courts throughout the city of Austin.
Dove Springs District Park
On Tuesday, April 4th, the program tipped off with a ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated basketball court at Dove Spring District Park, followed by a basketball clinic held by 50 youth athletes from the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) basketball league.
“We are honored to help expand the work and active programming that is already being led by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department,” said Dr. Kara Allen, Chief Impact Officer for Spurs Sports & Entertainment. “At our core, it is important for us to celebrate and honor fans beyond the court in ways that will make a difference for those most in need and Play ATX is one way we are bringing that mission to Austin.”
Spurs Give and APF are working in partnership with the City of Austin and PARD to create safe play spaces and foster active lifestyles for families by rebuilding, refurbishing and updating community parks and basketball courts. Improvements to the basketball court at Dove Springs District Park included resurfacing and restriping the court, replacing the goals, and new benches and lights. Play ATX is an expansion of the Spurs Give program “Play SA,” which began in San Antonio in 2020.
A bird's eye view of the renovated court. Photo courtesy of Cade Kegerreis.
“We are so excited and grateful to partner with the Spurs for this special program,” said Colin Wallis, CEO of Austin Parks Foundation. “Our Parks & Recreation department is severely underfunded and partnerships like this help amplify our work and allow us to make much-needed improvements to our city’s parks. Outdoor activities, such as playing basketball, are so important, not only to foster a sense of community but for the tremendous physical and mental health benefits.”
This court renovation is just the latest in updates to Dove Springs District Park, which received grants for updates in 2014 including new playscapes, nature trails, site improvements for drainage and shade, and accessibility enhancements. The park was also selected as a site for an outdoor soccer mini-pitch in 2019.
“Through creative collaboration and teamwork with Austin Parks Foundation and the Spurs, the newly refurbished basketball court is a wonderful addition to Dove Springs District Park,” said PARD’s Director Kimberly McNeeley. “Thank you to our partners who worked closely with the Parks and Recreation Department and community to make this court a reality.”
Garrison District Park
On Sunday, September 17, Austin Parks Foundation and Spurs Give unveiled a second court renovation. This renovation took place at Garrison District Park!
The day began with community members coming together to emphasize the commitment that APF, PARD and Spurs Give have dedicated to renovating parks and basketball courts throughout Austin. After the ribbon was cut, kids of all ages took to the court for a basketball clinic with Austin Spurs coaches, Sir’Jabari Rice and a special guest – Da Bull!
As the day came to a close, the Austin Spurs sent every kid home with a basketball so they can continue to Play ATX.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Matt Bradford
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
On Sunday, March 10, Austin Parks Foundation and Spurs Give unveiled the third court renovation at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park!
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, Creative Action led a Music & Movement class with special guest appearances from the Spurs Hype Squad and the L.L Campbell Elementary Media & Performing Arts Institute's Step Squad.
As the court opened up, basketball players of all ages put the court to use with some friendly competition!
